Riddells Creek event proves bigger is not always better

ABOVE: J'Aime Mallon and ESB Golden Chuckle. Picture: DEREK O’LEARY

THE joy about smaller events like the Riddells Creek Showjumping Jackpot is that there’s something for everyone. About 30 separate classes were held ranging from pony club and open A grade, through to F grade showjumping and E grade open.

With many parents out competing as well, it was interesting that in some cases, mum was riding in one ring with a child competing in another.

Several generations of families have been associated with clubs supporting the event, a heartening situation.

Champion in the pony club A grade was Tiahn Barnard on Nangkita King of The Cosmos, making the trip from Kergunyah worthwhile. Annabel Nelson and WS Poncho Loco were the open A grade champions.

ABOVE: Wendy Whiting at full stretch. Picture: DEREK O’LEARY

In B grade, local rider J'Aime Mallon and ESB Golden Chuckle were champions for Riddells Creek Pony Club and the open champion was Rohan Luxmoore’s LH Valentino.

Rohan took his second sash for the day with Masculino in the open C grade championship. The C grade pony club champion was Gisborne Pony Club’s Sophie Fosnaugh riding Champagne Fizz.

Eleanor Shephard and Fiedlerite won the pony club D grade championship and the open title went to Morgan Hill’s Yarra Munda Ruby. The large size of the field in the open section was notible, showing how many people just enjoy competing at a level where they feel comfortable, and getting a bow of any colour is a bonus.

The E grade champions were Amelia Harris on Rosette Ties from Whittlesea Pony Club in pony club and Katie Alford’s Navajo Jake was open champion.

F grade is only for pony club riders and possibly gains the loudest cheers. Champion was Tyler Gamble’s Wattles Sylvan from Woodlands Pony Club.

Stud pony breeders should be proud of what they produce, with prefixes on so many of the ponies from well known Welsh, New Forest and Riding Pony studs safely carrying their tiny riders round the course.

ABOVE: Tyler Gamble and Wattles Sylvan from Woodlands Pony Club. Picture: DEREK O’LEARY

ABOVE: Summer Doyle. Picture: DEREK O’LEARY

ABOVE: Lucy Robertson and Dalu Moondust from Gisborne Pony Club. Picture: DEREK O’LEARY

ABOVE: Darcy Christian. Picture: DEREK O’LEARY

Full results

View and purchase DEREK O’LEARY images from this event

Stories on The Regional’s website are free to read and always will be.

If you enjoyed this article you can show your support by joining our mailing list (either by filling out the form below or sending us a message).

We'd also get very excited if you put a "like" on our Facebook page.